Aviva Premiership Round 8 Reflections

Round 8 of the Aviva Premiership may have been the lowest scoring round, thanks largely to the less than idea playing conditions, however it still delivered all of the little anecdotes and intriguing titbits that we love to analyse for the duration of the week leading into the next round. 

On Saturday afternoon Saracens raised the benchmark again with a second-half performance that blew the Leicester Tigers off the park. When it comes to forward play Richard Cockerill’s side are a proud bunch, a solid scrummage is their heartland, however they were taken to the cleaners. Saracens’ front three were mighty, particularly Petrus Du Plessis' scrummaging against Marcos Ayerza - the individual largely recognised as one of the most proficient loose-heads in the game. Saracens’ game-plan, and the way that they approach winning matches, may not be every individual’s cup of tea however they don’t care one jot. Why should they when they’ve won 8 out of 8 domestic matches and are closing in on a Premiership record for the most consecutive wins? It goes without saying that with every game played all of their England qualified players are improving their chances of making Eddie Jones’ squad and with individuals like Schalk Burger joining the mix next season life is pretty sweet at Saracens HQ right now. 

On New Year’s Day the Exeter Chiefs arrived at Franklin’s Gardens however appeared to have left their form back at Sandy Park. Of course the conditions weren’t conductive to the type of attacking rugby that we have been enjoying from Rob Baxter’s side however all around they just looked a little off colour. What was pleasing to see was Rob Baxter’s approach to this afterwards, there was no panic and no hysteria. Instead he was candid and honest saying that even he couldn’t quite put his finger on why his side didn’t click. Sometimes in sport it just doesn't click and there isn't rhyme or reason as to why... one sub standard performance from the Exeter Chiefs doesn’t make them a bad team and I believe that they’ll be back firing again at home against Gloucester Rugby in Round 9. 

The final observation that I have is the fact that Eddie Jones has a veritable sweet shop of talent to play with. In spite of a few cruel injuries to individuals like Henry Slade, Dave Attwood and Ed Slater, the calibre of individual available to the Australian is high. If you look across the park, a few positions excluded, there are an abundance individuals that could take the jersey and run with it. At this point in time players are waiting to see if Eddie and his management deem them to be ‘the right sort’, the sort that will fit the Jones philosophy. Danny Cipriani’s Round 8 Man Of The Match performance again sparked discussion about the merits that he could bring to an England jersey, then what of Owen Farrell's form, George Ford's ability and more? James Haskell was very clear about his England intentions when he re-signed at Wasps, Elliot Daly, Joe Simpson, Matt Kvesic and others will all feel that they have merit a shot at it and then what of those individuals that wore the shirts in the Rugby World Cup?

The selection decisions that Eddie has in front of him are numerous and vital; how does he find balance in his back-row? Who does he give the 10 jersey to and who joins that man at 9? What of the much discussed centres? Is Dylan Hartley his hooker and Captain? Needless to say there are questions galore and players still have a chance to influence his decision making with big Premiership and European matches this weekend... I like everyone else will be watching this space with very great interest.